Lebanon war widens with international dimensions in Mid-east 

The region is witnessing a significant escalation since Hamas's operation on October 7th, which is no longer confined to Israel and Hamas, but has also included Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. What will further increase this escalation is the assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, which will have repercussions for Lebanon and the Middle East.

In this regard, Lebanese writer and political researcher Sarkis Abu Zaid believes that the region is heading towards further escalation, and that the chances for a political solution are currently unavailable, especially after this escalation, these assassinations, and the ongoing bombardment of Beirut, civilians, and leadership figures.

Abu Zaid pointed out that these matters "put Hezbollah in a challenging atmosphere, primarily affecting the leadership that will take over after Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, which is still unclear due to the uncertainty surrounding the fate of many leaders, whether they are alive or not, especially after the recent targeting of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah." 

The Lebanese writer believes that any young leadership taking the helm of the party will either move towards a more radical and confrontational direction or retreat; no one can be certain. He adds that the young leadership will adhere to the approach of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, but their capabilities and potential are contingent upon the nature of the phase and their ability to contain the crisis, maintain decision unity, and reactivate the party's activities anew.

On the other hand, the major challenge, according to the Lebanese political researcher, is directed at Iran, and what Iran will do after this challenge, especially since it had previously bet on diplomatic activity and dialogue with the United States, particularly with the Democratic Party. However, now it cannot afford not to have a clear stance. 

The Lebanese writer and political researcher believes that as a result of all these balances, "Israel continues to escalate and deliver painful strikes to leadership and residential areas in the suburbs, Beqaa, and southern Lebanon, which is besieging Hezbollah with a social and economic crisis within its environment."

Abu Zaid pointed out that Tel Aviv "will benefit from this situation to escalate further, in order to lure Iran into a war that the United States will also be involved in; because it wants a military confrontation between the United States and Iran, fearing that any rapprochement between the two will come at Israel's strategic expense. Therefore, things are heading towards escalation if this crisis is not contained, which means we will gradually witness a regional war with international dimensions to shape the features of the upcoming phase."

T/ Satt.

ANHA